Where can I get a Golden Age or Golden Access card?
Unfortunately, the Corps of Engineers no longer issue either of these cards. There is a new program called the American the Beautiful Interagency Pass which replaces the Golden Age/Access Passport cards. The Corps of Engineers was not chosen as one of the agencies that offer the new America the Beautiful Card, but you can obtain more information on the new pass by going online to http://store.usga.gov/pass or call 888-ASK-USGS, ext 1. You may also call the National Forests in Texas at 936-639-8501. They are located at 415 S. First Street, Suite 110, Lufkin Texas 75901.There are no facilities at Jim Chapman Lake that accept these permits. The State parks do not participate in the federal pass program. Check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on discount pass opportunities they may offer.

Are ATV's allowed on US Army Corps of Engineers Property?
ATV use or any other Off Road Vehicle (ORV) use are not allowed at Jim Chapman Lake off of designated roadways.

Can I use the Annual Day Use Pass at any Corps of Engineers park?
The Annual Day Use Pass is not valid at Jim Chapman Lake. All parks are operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. However, they are valid at other US Army Corps of Engineers lakes.

How can my son or daughter volunteer for an Eagle Scout project or Gold Award?
You can contact the lake volunteer coordinator to set up a meeting. Many Eagle Scout projects have been done in the past and a ranger will assist your son or daughter in arranging a project.

What is the record for the largest fish caught out of the lake?
Please see the Texas Parks and Wildlife link in the Recreation-Fishing portion of the website for lake records.

Where do I report illegal dumping on government property?
You can call the Cooper Dam Office at (903)945-2108 to report the violation. Dumping on US Army Corps of Engineers property is prohibited under Title 36, Part 327.9(b) Bringing garbage, trash, etc., onto project and carries a fine of at least $100.

What is the policy on metal detectors?
The use of metal detectors is permitted on designated beaches or other previously disturbed areas unless prohibited by the District Commander for reasons of protection or archaeological, historical, or paleontological resources. Please, contact the lake office at (903)945-2108 or email for more for more information.

Can I keep any arrowhead or other Indian artifact I find on Corps property?
No, it is a violation of Title 36 regulations and the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) to excavate, remove, damage, alter or deface any archaeological resource on government property. Any arrowhead found on the surface is government property. Removal of government property is a violation of Title 36, Part 327.14(a) Destruction, injury, defacement or removal of public property and carries a fine of at least $100. Any other artifact found on the surface or any artifact or arrowhead found by digging is protected under ARPA and is punishable by fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment not more than one year, or both. If the archaeological and restoration value exceeds $500, violation is punishable by fine of not more than $20,000 or not more than two years imprisonment, or both.

What do I do if I see someone or know of someone digging for artifacts?
Please report any instances of digging on Corps property to the lake office at (903)945-2108. Under the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) “any person who furnishes information which leads to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation” for digging, destruction or trade of artifacts may be rewarded an amount equal to one-half of such penalty or fine, but not to exceed $500 by the Secretary of the Treasury.